PA Department of Education: Federal Income Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price School Lunches to Remain at Current Levels for 2010-11

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Federal income guidelines to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk will remain at current levels for July 2010 – June 2011, acting Education Secretary Thomas E. Gluck announced today.

Schools and other institutions and facilities use the guidelines to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.

"The national food programs, along with the food and nutrition resources from the state Department of Education, offer students healthy and affordable options for meals," Gluck said. "A hungry child is a distracted child. Students who eat regular, nutritious meals are more likely to be healthier, better able to pay attention in the classroom and succeed academically."

Those households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) need only include the SNAP or TANF case number on their application. Households enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and should complete a Household Meal Benefit Application.

Federal law prohibits any child eligible under these programs from being discriminated against based on race, sex, color, national origin, age or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll-free (866) 632-9992. TDD users can contact the USDA through local relay or the federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information on school nutrition, visit www.pde.state.pa.us, keyword "school nutrition."

Media contact: Leah Harris, 717-783-9802

Editor's note: The following annual income eligibility guidelines are effective July 1, 2010 until further notice:

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

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